Infant bath with retractable sling

ABSTRACT

An infant bath having a sling infant support that holds the infant while bathing, yet retracts to a convenient and safe storage position when not in use is provided. The assembly includes an elongate infant bath basin having upwardly extended side walls for containing water in which to bathe an infant, a sling extends across the basin and is supported by at least two of the side walls when in the extended position. The sling is configured and arranged to be detached from one of the sidewalls and retract into a retraction mechanism at the opposing side wall such that the sling is stored in the retraction mechanism when not in use. In an alternate embodiment, a retrofit sling support assembly is provided for use in baths not fitted with a sling or for standalone use. The retractable sling is supported by a portable foldable frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an infant bathing apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an infant bathing apparatus that includes a support sling that is retractable when not in use.

Conventional baby bathtubs generally comprise a large elongated basin for containing water wherein the shape is dimensioned to receive an infant. A common concern for parents and caretakers bathing a baby is that the experience be both enjoyable and safe for the child. However, since one hand is needed to wash and rinse the baby, only one hand remains to control the baby's body position and to keep the baby's head above the surface of the water. Further, a baby covered with soap and water is extremely slippery creating ample opportunity for the baby to wriggle and slip out of control. As a result, there is always the potential for accidental submersion of the baby's head and face, which can result in discomfort to the baby and perhaps even serious injury. Thus baby bath time can be full of anxiety and tension, negating the intrinsic joy and pleasure a baby can experience in the warmth and comfort of a well-arranged bath.

Various baby bath appliances are known in the art for assisting in supporting a baby during a bath. For example, there are large contoured sponges available for placement in the bathtub to position the baby's body and keep their head above water.

However, a large sponge absorbs a great amount of water and requires a long drying time once the bath is completed. Further, the sponge may not dry completely between baths, resulting in the possibility of infections, mold, and mildew being carried by the sponge.

Another bath appliance for a similar purpose involves an adjustable platform submerged under the water to support the baby's body and head. This arrangement requires an elaborate mechanism to permit height adjustment for babies of differing sizes and growth stages, raising the overall cost of manufacturing the bath. Also, the mechanism must be maintained and cleaned regularly, further burdening the parents and caretakers with needless chores.

A further baby tub design includes an integrally formed back rest at one end that raises the baby's upper body above the water level. Although this design increases the safety aspect of the baby bath, comfort may be decreased and bathing of the head and upper body may be more difficult.

Still further, a number of fabric or mesh sling arrangements have been provided, wherein the sling supports the baby at the desired height within the bath. In some arrangements, the sling is fixed creating an obstruction in emptying and cleaning the bath. In other arrangements, when the sling is not in use it must be removed creating a lose component that must be stored.

There is therefore a need for an improved infant bath apparatus that employs a sling for supporting the infant's body yet integrally retains the sling when it is not in use. Further, there is a need for an improved infant bath that includes a sling that is easily deployed when needed and is retractable to a contained storage position when not needed thereby keeping it safe and out of the way.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this regard, the present invention provides for an infant bath having a sling style infant support that securely holds the infant in the correct and safe position while bathing, yet retracts to a convenient and safe storage position when not in use. Generally, as will be discussed in more detail below, the present invention generally comprises an elongate infant bath basin having upwardly extended side walls for containing water in which to bathe an infant. A sling extends across the basin and is supported by at least two of the side walls when in the extended position. The sling is configured and arranged to be detached from one of the sidewalls and retract into a retraction mechanism at the opposing side wall such that the sling is stored in the retraction mechanism when not in use.

In an alternate embodiment, a retrofit sling support assembly is provided for use in baths not fitted with a sling or for standalone use. The retractable sling is supported by a portable foldable frame. In operation, the sling can be retracted and the frame then folded to make a compact easily stored unit.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved infant bath apparatus that employs a sling for supporting the infant's body yet integrally retains the sling in a stored position when it is not in use. Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved infant bath that includes a sling that is easily deployed when needed and is retractable to a contained storage position when not needed thereby keeping it safe and out of the way. Still further it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable standalone sling that is easily deployed when needed and is retractable to a contained storage position and foldable into a compact package when not needed thereby making it easy and convenient to store.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an infant bath with a retractable sling in a deployed position;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an infant bath with a retractable sling in a partially deployed position;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an infant bath with a retractable sling in a retracted/stored position;

FIG. 4 is a cross section taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment retractable sling on a standalone frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Now referring to the drawings, an embodiment of the infant bath of the present invention is shown and generally illustrated in the figures. As can be seen, the infant bath generally includes a supporting structure, such as the side walls of a bath basin or a structural frame, and a sling that extends across the supporting structure. Further, as will be described herein, the sling is retractable to a stored position when not in use.

Turning now to FIG. 1 the present invention provide in one embodiment for an infant bath having a sling style infant support that securely holds the infant in the correct and safe position while bathing, yet retracts to a convenient and safe storage position when not in use. As can be seen in this embodiment, the supporting structure comprises an elongate infant bath basin 10 having upwardly extended side walls 12, 14 for containing water in which to bathe an infant. The basin 10 may be of any type known in the art. The basin 10 may also include leveling feet 11 that can be retracted, removed or repositioned as needed. A sling 16 extends across the basin 10 and is supported by at least two of the side walls when in the extended position. The sling 16 may be of any appropriate material. More preferably the sling 16 is sufficiently porous to allow water to pass through the material. This allows a baby positioned within the sling to be in the bath water contained in the basin yet sufficiently supported by the sling to prevent submersion of the baby's head within the bath water.

At one end of the basin 10, the sling 16 is removably attached to the top edge of the sidewall 12. As is shown, the free end 18 of the sling 17 is engaged with the sidewall 12 using hooks 20. Any other suitable engagement device may be employed and still fall within the scope of the invention. Such engagement devices include, but are not limited to, snaps, buttons, hooks, hook and loop fastener, slides, pins and the like.

At the opposite end of the basin the sling 16 is connected to a retracting mechanism 22 that is in turn supported on or in the top edge of that sidewall 14. In this manner, the sling 16 is configured and arranged to be detached from one of the sidewalls 12 and retract into a retraction mechanism 22 at the opposing sidewall 14 such that the sling 16 is stored at or in the retraction mechanism 22 when not in use. As can be seen viewing FIGS. 2 and 3 in conjunction with FIG. 1, the free end of the sling 16 is disconnected from the sidewall 12 of the basin 10 and is then retracted into the retraction mechanism 22 for storage.

At FIG. 4, an illustrative embodiment of the retraction mechanism 22 is depicted.

There is shown a spindle 24 to which an edge 26 of the sling 16 is attached. When the free end 18 of the sling 16 is removed from the sidewall 12 of the basin 10 the spindle 24 rotates causing the sling 16 to wind about the spindle 24 for retraction and storage. The winding action of the spindle 24 may be spring driven or manually driven. Further, the spindle 24 may be enclosed within a housing or an extension of the sidewall of the basin. Alternately the spindle 24 may be supported such that it is exposed.

In an alternate embodiment, shown at FIG. 5, a retrofit sling support assembly 110 is provided for use in baths not fitted with a sling or for standalone use. The retractable sling 116 is supported by a portable foldable frame 110 that includes vertical supports 112 and 114. In operation, the sling 116 can be retracted and the frame 110 then folded to make a compact easily stored unit.

It can therefore be seen that the present invention provides an improved infant bath apparatus that employs a sling for supporting the infant's body yet integrally retains the sling in a stored position when it is not in use thereby keeping it safe and out of the way. For these reasons, the instant invention is believed to represent a significant advancement in the art, which has substantial commercial merit.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed:
 1. An infant support sling comprising: a support structure having first and second opposing vertical supports; a sling having first and second opposing ends; and a retraction mechanism positioned at said second vertical support, wherein said second end of said sling is engaged with said retraction mechanism, said sling having a first deployed position wherein said first end is supported by said first vertical support, said sling extending between said first and second vertical supports, said sling having a second retracted position at said retraction mechanism.
 2. The infant support sling of claim 1, wherein said support structure is a basin said vertical supports being vertical side walls of said basin.
 3. The infant support sling of claim 1, wherein said support structure is a structural frame.
 4. The infant support sling of claim 3, wherein said structural frame is foldable to a compact storage arrangement.
 5. The infant support sling of claim 1, wherein said first end of said sling is releasably engaged with said first vertical support.
 6. The infant support sling of claim 5, wherein said sling is releasably engaged with said first vertical support using engagement devices selected from the group consisting of: snaps, buttons, hooks, hook and loop fastener, slides and pins.
 7. An infant bath comprising: a basin having first and second opposing sidewall vertical supports; a sling having first and second opposing ends; and a retraction mechanism positioned at said second sidewall vertical support, wherein said second end of said sling is engaged with said retraction mechanism, said sling having a first deployed position wherein said first end is supported by said first sidewall vertical support, said sling extending between said first and second sidewall vertical supports, said sling having a second retracted position at said retraction mechanism.
 8. The infant bath of claim 7, wherein said first end of said sling is releasably engaged with said first sidewall vertical support.
 9. The infant support sling of claim 8, wherein said sling is releasably engaged with said first vertical sidewall support using engagement devices selected from the group consisting of: snaps, buttons, hooks, hook and loop fastener, slides and pins.
 10. An infant support sling comprising: a support frame having first and second opposing vertical supports; a sling having first and second opposing ends; and a retraction mechanism positioned at said second vertical support, wherein said second end of said sling is engaged with said retraction mechanism, said sling having a first deployed position wherein said first end is supported by said first vertical support, said sling extending between said first and second vertical supports, said sling having a second retracted position at said retraction mechanism.
 11. The infant support sling of claim 10, wherein said structural frame is foldable to a compact storage arrangement.
 12. The infant support sling of claim 10, wherein said first end of said sling is releasably engaged with said first vertical support.
 13. The infant support sling of claim 12, wherein said sling is releasably engaged with said first vertical support using engagement devices selected from the group consisting of: snaps, buttons, hooks, hook and loop fastener, slides and pins. 